Youth Mental Health First Aid

About the Course

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. YMHFA uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

The Colorado Department of Education was awarded Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings. Project AWARE aims to build a comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated school behavioral health services systems that supports every student and family in Colorado to reach their fullest potential and achieve comprehensive wellness. YMHFA is intended to provide skills to youth-serving adults that work and interact regularly with school-aged youth between the age of 12 and 18 years. This course supports adults in guiding youth through both crisis and non-crisis mental health concerns until professional help is available. The course also teaches basic mental health literacy to reduce the stigma of mental health and better enable youth and families to connect to needed mental health services.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors are on the frontlines of the program and train people in their schools, communities or organizations in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Certified instructors are required to teach the course at least three time a year to maintain certification. If you wish to help further the work of Youth Mental Health First Aid and think you would be a good fit as an instructor, please contact Alejandra Venzor.